Transfer of new Japanese technology to develop local cinnamon industry

Monday, 9 March 2015 00:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NCE President Sarada De Silva and Dr. Naohiro Hozumi The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), the only private sector chamber which exclusively serves exporters, visited Tokyo from 23 to 28 February with a business delegation. The delegates comprised various products sectors and the delegation was led by President Sarada De Silva and Secretary General Shiham Marikar. The following companies comprised the delegation: Blue Diamond Jewellery Worldwide PLC, Faga Tyres Ltd., LAUGFS Corporation (Rubber) Ltd., PRIPA Organic Colombo Ltd., Uniceyl Marketing Services Ltd. and Khalhari Enterprise. The delegates visited the Toyohashi University of Technology where they had a meeting with Dr. Naohiro Hozumi. De Silva, who is also a former Chairman of the Spice Council, had had discussions with Dr. Hozumi earlier at the University of Moratuwa regarding introduction of new technology for peeling of cinnamon. Dr. Hozumi has expressed interest in technology transfer for this purpose. Transfer of technology will enable to resolve the biggest problem faced by the cinnamon industry which is the shortage of skilled labour for peeling. As these skills are passed from parents to their children, and many youth these days are reluctant to spend long hours in tedious work, the industry will face a serious problem for its sustenance. In Sri Lanka the same old method has been used for so long without any improvisation. Sri Lanka only has a 10% share in the global value added cinnamon market. Therefore in order to gain maximum profits and achieve a higher market share in the global market it is crucial to introduce the latest technology to the industry. This new technology will enable achieve maximum output, while preserving the supreme quality of Ceylon Cinnamon.